3 Best Hiking Trails in Bakersfield, CA

“Hart Memorial Park offers stunning scenery and exclusive picture spots. The park is 370 acres along the Kern River and now forms the cornerstone of the 1,012-acre leisure complex called Kern River City Park. The total length of the trail is 2.0 miles. The elevation gain of the trail is 498 feet. The trail is loop type. The time taken to complete the total trail is 1 hour and 5 minutes. The park was named after County Supervisor John Hart, who spearheaded the project. Hart Memorial Park offers fish, catfish, bass hunting, and party picnic spots with tables and grills on two 10-acre lakes. The parking lot at the gateway to the east park connects hiking and horse-riding trails. The north side of Hart Park also features an equestrian trail. Hart Memorial Park was developed to create a large recreation park that residents could use to escape the summer heat.”

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“Wind Wolves Preserve is open daily and free of charge so that all may experience the wonder and joy of nature. During the school season, they offer free outdoor education programs featuring local ecology and cultural history and host nearly 10,000 students annually. This preserve has over twenty miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty and terrain, so there's something for everyone as trails feature scenic views, grasslands, lush wetlands, and wilderness areas. Weekend programs are available year-round, such as guided night hikes in the summer and wildflower walks in early spring. The historic route, El Camino Viejo, is a mountain bike trail that is 10 miles round trip. Dogs on leash are welcome on all trails. Every March, the preserve hosts the annual Spring Nature Festival that features local exhibitors to showcase education and science, food vendors, and spring wildflowers.”

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“The Kern River Parkway Trail has a shorter trail to the east, with water and toilet facilities going through many city parks. Bakersfield is designed for bike adventures, with over 170 miles of bike routes, lanes, and paths. Begin with their 30-mile paved Kern River route. Several town parks off Truxtun Avenue west of State Route 99 provide access to trails and parking. The trail offers various leisure opportunities for all seasons of the year. Whitewater boating can be enjoyed, and fishing is accessible here. The day sites include launch and take-out areas, picnic tables, bathrooms, and access to fishing. The bike path was well-kept, paved, and free of debris. The shop is also available for any necessary maintenance. There are many different entrances to this trail, and you can either turn toward the foothills or down the river.”

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